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Monday, February 27, 2012

Komen Surveying Supporters

After a couple of relatively quiet weeks, it seems that Susan G. Komen For the Cure is stirring up controversy once again. This time it comes in the form of a survey.

In the latest edition of NPT Weekly, we report on a story that the Irving, Texas-based organization had hired a consulting firm to do some damage control in the aftermath of the Planned Parenthood controversy. This firm created a survey that was to be sent to supporters asking them a variety of questions about their opinion of the nonprofit. Among the questions were whether the organization owes donors an apology, followed by a list of potential apologies that would be acceptable. The survey also asks supporters to rate a list of potential new spokespeople, including musician Melissa Etheridge.

While it's not exactly unusual for a nonprofit to test messaging through a survey, the reaction has been fairly strong because they don't usually become so public. Rebecca Devine, co-founder and principal of Philadelphia, Pa.-based Maven Communications, told The NonProfit Times that Komen needs to be asking these same questions with core stakeholders. She also said the organization should be holding one-on-one discussions with donors to ask how they can make the situation better.

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About The NonProfit Times

Founded in 1987, The NonProfit Times is published 17 times per year and is the premier business publication for nonprofit management. The NonProfit Times reaches 38,000 executive decision makers and addresses all business functions of the nonprofit organization including the latest news, fundraising, financial management, direct marketing, technology and legal and human resource issues. With monthly Special Reports, and 5 specialized enewsletters The NonProfit Times is the source for business information for the nonprofit industry. Visit our website at www.thenonprofittimes.com